FAQ: Online Requests For Repeat Referrals & Scripts

 Why must a request be made with my regular treating GP? This is because your regular GP is familiar with your health condition/s and the specialist/s involved in your care.

Why doesn’t my GP offer this service when other doctors at the practice do? Our GPs are independent practitioners, and only some are comfortable to offer this service.

What can I do if my GP doesn’t offer this service? Most of our GPs offer short telehealth appointments with a reduced out of pocket charge for repeat referrals and repeat scripts for regular medications to manage chronic health conditions. Feel free to book one of these appointments with your regular treating GP.

How long until my request is reviewed and actioned? As some of our practitioners are part time, we advise that it may take up to 7 days for your request to be reviewed.

Why might a request be declined? Once reviewed, your GP may decide that it is more appropriate to have a face-to-face appointment to action your request. This may be for an examination, to review risks and side effects, to arrange recommended screening tests and so on. Your GP is responsible to follow best practice guidelines to ensure you are receiving the best possible health care.

Why is the payment taken when the request is made? Requests are made through our booking platform HotDoc. They are responsible to take payment and send through the request. If the request is declined, the payment will be refunded.

What are the eligibility criteria for requesting a repeat referral:

• Referral is for a specialist who is already providing care to you on an ongoing basis
• You have seen this specialist in the past 2 years
• The referral is for routine ongoing monitoring
• There are no new or significant changes to your health conditions since your last review with the specialist

What are the eligibility criteria for requesting a repeat script:

• The script is for an ongoing medical issue/condition
• The script is not for pain medications or drugs of dependency
• The script is not for managing an acute problem e.g. antibiotics
• Your recommended surveillance blood tests and examinations are up to date in accordance with best practice guidelines